Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Figs! Figs! Everywhere!!

Well, despite our lack of rain so far this year I have managed to pick over 15 lbs of figs from the tree in our backyard. I've made 9 pints of jam and I'm in the process of making Fig Newtons. The tree is still pretty loaded with fruit so I'm going to need to research some more recipes!
When it came time to make the first batch of jam I was looking for a way to not have to stand at the stove in this heat. (It's been over 100 degrees here for many days now.) The idea hit me... Crock Pot! I put the figs, sugar and lemons in the crock pot along with a half cup of water. After cooking it on high for about 2 hrs. I used my immersion blender to break the fruit down into a really smooth jam. It was SUPER easy to do and I didn't spend a lot of time in front of a hot stove stirring constantly.
The second batch of jam went into the crock pot along with the sugar and some cinnamon and a touch of salt. Don't ask me how much of each. As usual I didn't measure. This batch is WAY better than the first batch! YUM! I haven't processed it yet but I have as much as I did the first time around so I'm guessing another 9 pints or so. I've held out 2 cups of it to make the Newtons with so maybe more like 8 pints.
Do you have any great Fig recipes?? If so, I'd love to try them.

Place figs, sugar and water in crock pot. Cook on high 2 hrs. Using an immersion blender puree the figs. (You can do this in a blender or food processor too but the immersion blender really makes things SUPER easy and much less messy!)
Add salt and cinnamon. (adjust to taste if necessary)
Process 10 minutes in a hot water bath.